courted

Definition of courtednext
past tense of court
1
as in wooed
to act so as to make (something) more likely you're courting disaster if you keep playing with matches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in dated
to go on dates that may eventually lead to marriage they courted for a year before getting married

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of courted Cook Islands, an archipelago of 15 islands in the vast South Pacific Ocean, is among many small nations in the region to be courted by Beijing, which has offered aid, loans and deals throughout the Pacific to increase its sway. ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026 There were also rumblings, according to Vaccaro, about the team possibly being courted to a new stadium in New Jersey that would have had a fresh look compared to the crumbling Yankee Stadium that was hoping for city funding to make integral repairs. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026 The Chinese operative at issue is Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, who reportedly courted Swalwell and other California politicians in the United States from 2011 to 2015. Perry Stein The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 29 Mar. 2026 For eight years, I was courted and wooed. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026 But Banksy has courted a public image centered around morality, justice and guerrilla tactics — he’s often likened to Robin Hood or Batman. Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026 But Banksy has courted a public image centered around morality, justice and guerrilla tactics — he’s often likened to Robin Hood or Batman. Laurie Kellman, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026 Stanford, after the first workplace investigation, extended Taylor following the 2023 season after he was courted by UCLA to become its head coach. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 20 Mar. 2026 In response, governments across the continent have courted foreign investment to help build their manufacturing base, including for mineral and metal refining. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for courted
Verb
  • The home was converted into apartments in 1951 but retained some of the original grandeur that probably wooed the Morgan clan, too (high ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace, in particular).
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 16 Mar. 2026
  • The documents — released in response to the Epstein Files Transparency Act passed by Congress last year — reveal how Epstein wooed state and federal prosecutors, assistant district attorneys, sheriff’s deputies, probation officers, federal marshals and customs and border patrol officers.
    Julie K. Brown, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Some of the specimens look highly similar to cambroernids—animals that looked vaguely similar to modern-day sea cucumbers—which have previously only been dated to the Cambrian.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Wilson and Miller dated during the season and after filming wrapped, but their love story ended in December 2023.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Borges invited Denise and Aaron to Seaside to speak about their experiences with law enforcement.
    Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • As part of this year’s outreach project, attendees are invited to support the church’s mission partner, Care House, by bringing a $10 gift card to Walmart, McDonald’s, or Starbucks.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Courted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/courted. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on courted

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster